Comments on: Three Reasons the HCSB will Fall to the ESV http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/ "O thirsty love, wilt thou set Christ, the well of life, to thy head, and drink thy fill?" Samuel Rutherford Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:21:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Nathan Creitz http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-81 Nathan Creitz Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:51:24 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-81 I appreciate your post...I use the HCSB in New England where many haven't heard of it before. The ones who have say, "Isn't that the Baptist Bible?", not realizing that the panel of translators was an interdenominational group of 100+ scholars. I like the HCSB because of it's translation theory and that when I work with people from other countries they can understand the English much better than other translations I've used. As one who uses the Greek and Hebrew (learning Hebrew anyway) I am not concerned with which one is more popular. All of these publishers are trying to make money and I'm sure they sent a free Bible to all those people who endorsed it. I would like to see us settle on one main translation for the next 20 years or so (languages are always changing) and would prefer that to be the HCSB...if people prefer the ESV then fine, go with that...but don't just choose it based on a cult following of a particular person...research it for yourself. Meanwhile, a friend of mine that is in Bible translation is wondering why we can spend so much money making and marketing English translations when there are 100's of languages that don't have a Bible in their language. Next time anyone rushes out to buy the latest translation and add it to their Bible translation collection I would suggest putting that money aside to support those who don't have Bibles. Thanks again for the post. I appreciate your post…I use the HCSB in New England where many haven’t heard of it before. The ones who have say, “Isn’t that the Baptist Bible?”, not realizing that the panel of translators was an interdenominational group of 100+ scholars. I like the HCSB because of it’s translation theory and that when I work with people from other countries they can understand the English much better than other translations I’ve used.

As one who uses the Greek and Hebrew (learning Hebrew anyway) I am not concerned with which one is more popular. All of these publishers are trying to make money and I’m sure they sent a free Bible to all those people who endorsed it. I would like to see us settle on one main translation for the next 20 years or so (languages are always changing) and would prefer that to be the HCSB…if people prefer the ESV then fine, go with that…but don’t just choose it based on a cult following of a particular person…research it for yourself. Meanwhile, a friend of mine that is in Bible translation is wondering why we can spend so much money making and marketing English translations when there are 100′s of languages that don’t have a Bible in their language. Next time anyone rushes out to buy the latest translation and add it to their Bible translation collection I would suggest putting that money aside to support those who don’t have Bibles.

Thanks again for the post.

]]> By: Will http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-80 Will Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:09:05 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-80 TC, I share your frustration with Piper's seemingly unqualified endorsement of the ESV. I'm not sure I understand it. The team at Broadman and Holman need to work hard to gain some quality endorsements for the CSB. TC, I share your frustration with Piper’s seemingly unqualified endorsement of the ESV. I’m not sure I understand it. The team at Broadman and Holman need to work hard to gain some quality endorsements for the CSB.

]]> By: tc http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-74 tc Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:29:26 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-74 Will, I know I'm late in this converstion, but I'll like to make a contribution. Of all the modern pastors and theologians, outside of Dr. MacArthur, Dr. Piper has really help shaped my thinkging. So when he was endorsing the ESV, I really thought it would have been a great Bible--but I was disappointed. The ESV is a revision of the RSV and has not moved away too far from its predecessor. Another thing, I've listened to some lectures by Dr. Bill Mounce, who was the chairman of the NT committee of the ESV, only to find him correcting the ESV repeatedly. Still when you read Piper's writings, he's still favoring readings from the NASB (BTW, this is the Bible I use). Then came along the HCSB. I find it incredibly readable and accurate. I must agree with those who say it is a better Bible than the ESV. I do hope that it outlives the ESV. But it must get pass the SBC "stigma." Will,

I know I’m late in this converstion, but I’ll like to make a contribution.

Of all the modern pastors and theologians, outside of Dr. MacArthur, Dr. Piper has really help shaped my thinkging. So when he was endorsing the ESV, I really thought it would have been a great Bible–but I was disappointed.

The ESV is a revision of the RSV and has not moved away too far from its predecessor.

Another thing, I’ve listened to some lectures by Dr. Bill Mounce, who was the chairman of the NT committee of the ESV, only to find him correcting the ESV repeatedly.

Still when you read Piper’s writings, he’s still favoring readings from the NASB (BTW, this is the Bible I use).

Then came along the HCSB. I find it incredibly readable and accurate. I must agree with those who say it is a better Bible than the ESV. I do hope that it outlives the ESV.

But it must get pass the SBC “stigma.”

]]> By: Will http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-79 Will Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:27:48 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-79 Jonas, you crack me up! I hadn't thought about it that way. Jonas, you crack me up! I hadn’t thought about it that way.

]]> By: Jonas http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-78 Jonas Sat, 22 Dec 2007 06:34:24 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-78 One reason why the HCSB will prevail: Holman prints better quality HCSB bibles than Crossway's ESVs.....though I guess that means that you'll need to buy another ESV much sooner. I guess the ESV may prevail after all :=) Seriously though, the ESV is an elegant translation that is deserving of better quality printing. One reason why the HCSB will prevail: Holman prints better quality HCSB bibles than Crossway’s ESVs…..though I guess that means that you’ll need to buy another ESV much sooner. I guess the ESV may prevail after all :=)

Seriously though, the ESV is an elegant translation that is deserving of better quality printing.

]]> By: Will http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-77 Will Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:37:25 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-77 Rich, you're right about the awkward wording. That has always been a very strange aspect of the ESV in my opinion. The HCSB has its own set of wording issues, but nothing like the cumbersome syntax of the ESV. Rich, you’re right about the awkward wording. That has always been a very strange aspect of the ESV in my opinion. The HCSB has its own set of wording issues, but nothing like the cumbersome syntax of the ESV.

]]> By: Rich S http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-76 Rich S Fri, 07 Dec 2007 23:40:24 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-76 I have tried to like the ESV. From a Lutheran liturgical perspective it provides a nice transition from the KJV tradition. Some of the wording is awkward like it is still in final draft, but not complete. I have the HCSB and use it occasionally, like some parts, NT in particular. It seems that HCSB and GW would be a positive blend. So I still consider the NAS my primary English translation, and rotate between ESV, GW, NKJV, and HCSB as secondary translations. I have preached and taught from all of these, except the HCSB. I have tried to like the ESV. From a Lutheran liturgical perspective it provides a nice transition from the KJV tradition. Some of the wording is awkward like it is still in final draft, but not complete.

I have the HCSB and use it occasionally, like some parts, NT in particular. It seems that HCSB and GW would be a positive blend.

So I still consider the NAS my primary English translation, and rotate between ESV, GW, NKJV, and HCSB as secondary translations. I have preached and taught from all of these, except the HCSB.

]]> By: Will http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-75 Will Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:46:07 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-75 Robert, I'm glad you've come to enjoy the HCSB. It was encouraging to read your perspective on your own blog. And I appreciate your willingness to use a translation that is good even if it lacks the popular endorsements. The lack of endorsements doesn't mean it's a bad translation, and I'm glad many people are coming to realize that. Robert, I’m glad you’ve come to enjoy the HCSB. It was encouraging to read your perspective on your own blog. And I appreciate your willingness to use a translation that is good even if it lacks the popular endorsements. The lack of endorsements doesn’t mean it’s a bad translation, and I’m glad many people are coming to realize that.

]]> By: Robert Jimenez http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-73 Robert Jimenez Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:49:45 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-73 You make a good argument. I have become a fan of the HCSB, but it happened by accident. I had purchased a parallel bible which contians 8 translations (NKJV, ESV, NIV, HCSB, TNIV, CEV, NLT, & the Message), and one of them was the HCSB. Prior to this I had switched over from the NKJV to the ESV, as my main study, and devotional bible. I kept comparing the HCSB to the ESV, and TNIV, and found myself really liking the way the HCSB read. But to be honest, I had a hard time finding endorsements, what are others saying, etc, and that made me a bit nervous. However, I went ahead and bought a hand size version for me and my whole family. Just felt that it communicated very well, and would help them draw closer to God. I put it down, and went back to the ESV because I could not find others that spoke highly about it. Then I picked it again, and decided I did not care, and just kept reading. Finally I came across Rick Mansfield's site and I was sold on the HCSB. That is all the endorsement I needed. Now I own 4 versions of the HSCB (love collecting bibles), and now use it to preach from, and sometimes teach from. I still love the ESV, mostly because it does retain the Bible English that I grew up with. You make a good argument. I have become a fan of the HCSB, but it happened by accident. I had purchased a parallel bible which contians 8 translations (NKJV, ESV, NIV, HCSB, TNIV, CEV, NLT, & the Message), and one of them was the HCSB.

Prior to this I had switched over from the NKJV to the ESV, as my main study, and devotional bible.

I kept comparing the HCSB to the ESV, and TNIV, and found myself really liking the way the HCSB read.

But to be honest, I had a hard time finding endorsements, what are others saying, etc, and that made me a bit nervous.

However, I went ahead and bought a hand size version for me and my whole family. Just felt that it communicated very well, and would help them draw closer to God.

I put it down, and went back to the ESV because I could not find others that spoke highly about it. Then I picked it again, and decided I did not care, and just kept reading.

Finally I came across Rick Mansfield’s site and I was sold on the HCSB. That is all the endorsement I needed.

Now I own 4 versions of the HSCB (love collecting bibles), and now use it to preach from, and sometimes teach from. I still love the ESV, mostly because it does retain the Bible English that I grew up with.

]]> By: sdoughtie http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-71 sdoughtie Sun, 11 Nov 2007 06:13:02 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-71 sorry, a little more to add: I noticed that you've had comments from Europe and I have to say that Ravi Zacharias has an 'international' view of Christianity in contrast to what I call an Americanized view that so many people in the US have. I was really taken a number of years ago when I realized that we really do think differently about the Gospel (most of which is subtle but their are distinctions). sorry, a little more to add: I noticed that you’ve had comments from Europe and I have to say that Ravi Zacharias has an ‘international’ view of Christianity in contrast to what I call an Americanized view that so many people in the US have. I was really taken a number of years ago when I realized that we really do think differently about the Gospel (most of which is subtle but their are distinctions).

]]> By: sdoughtie http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-70 sdoughtie Sun, 11 Nov 2007 06:05:58 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-70 I know, it was a tad sarcastic... but the list you gave was a very good list. I have a great deal of respect for the ones on the list that I know... esp. Ravi Zacharias! I know, it was a tad sarcastic… but the list you gave was a very good list. I have a great deal of respect for the ones on the list that I know… esp. Ravi Zacharias!

]]> By: Will http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-69 Will Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:39:54 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-69 No, Sean, you sure didn't. (By the way, I did catch the subtle sarcasm in your comment.:)) I'm not sure that Osteen would know what a good translation is. Evaluating a translation's accuracy requires a knowledge the languages of the Old and New Testaments (among many other things). Plus, the men in the list who are endorsing the ESV are not only scholars of the languages (most of them), they are also very faithful and accurate theologians. Osteen falls into neither of those categories. No, Sean, you sure didn’t. (By the way, I did catch the subtle sarcasm in your comment.:)) I’m not sure that Osteen would know what a good translation is. Evaluating a translation’s accuracy requires a knowledge the languages of the Old and New Testaments (among many other things). Plus, the men in the list who are endorsing the ESV are not only scholars of the languages (most of them), they are also very faithful and accurate theologians. Osteen falls into neither of those categories.

]]> By: sdoughtie http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-68 sdoughtie Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:31:53 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-68 I didn't see Joel Olsteen in that list! ;) I didn’t see Joel Olsteen in that list! ;)

]]> By: JP http://www.anwoth.org/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/comment-page-1/#comment-72 JP Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:59:12 +0000 http://anwoth.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/three-reasons-the-hcsb-will-fall-to-the-esv/#comment-72 Will, Interestingly I have zero knowledge of the HCSB, it is virtually unknown here in Europe, I have never seen it in any shop over here. I will agree with you one thing for sure, I'm convinced the success of the ESV is as much maybe more to do with who is using it i.e. John Piper than on how good a translation it is. That's not to say anything about the translation's quality, just that for many people they will choose it because good, solid men like him did, which is no bad reason really....and I'm much happier that the ESV become the standard, than some of those awful paraphrases and gender neutral "versions". I use the ESV for my devotions and must confess I do like it. We still use the NKJV in church, and really have no plans to change, but if we did, I think I'd probably go for the ESV, though I still very much like the NASB for it's literalness....and I still don't know what "wooden" means! JP Will,

Interestingly I have zero knowledge of the HCSB, it is virtually unknown here in Europe, I have never seen it in any shop over here.

I will agree with you one thing for sure, I’m convinced the success of the ESV is as much maybe more to do with who is using it i.e. John Piper than on how good a translation it is. That’s not to say anything about the translation’s quality, just that for many people they will choose it because good, solid men like him did, which is no bad reason really….and I’m much happier that the ESV become the standard, than some of those awful paraphrases and gender neutral “versions”.

I use the ESV for my devotions and must confess I do like it. We still use the NKJV in church, and really have no plans to change, but if we did, I think I’d probably go for the ESV, though I still very much like the NASB for it’s literalness….and I still don’t know what “wooden” means!

JP

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